CHINA. Tuan Chih-kuei Silver Medal Silver Medal, ND (ca. 1917). Tientsin Mint. PCGS MS-64. L&M-Unlisted; K-Unlisted; KMX-Unlisted; CCC-716 var. (bronze, though attributed to Yen Hsi-shan [Yan Xishan] and to ca. 1930). Diameter: 28mm. Obverse: capped bust facing slightly left, in military attire; Reverse: Three character inscription ( commemorative medal ) within wreath. Edge: Plain.An enigmatic piece, this type honors the influential Chinese general and governor in the late Qing dynasty, Tuan Chih-kuei (Duan Zhigui). Following the collapse of the empire, he served as governor of Chahar from 1912-1913, the military governor of Hupeh from 1914-1915, and a as a hybrid military/civil governor in Fengtien from 1915-1916. He was a close confidant and supporter of Yuan Shih-kai, eventually becoming Minister of War in 1917, the year after Yuans death. Quite likely, it is during this period (1917-1919) that this commemorative medal, otherwise undescriptive of its purpose, was issued.

CCC only lists this piece as being struck in bronze, with no mention of a silver striking. All the other reference works fall silent, not even mentioning a striking in bronze. Further, CCC mentions the depicted individual as Yen Hsi-shan, a fairly contemporaneous general and warlord, though facial similarities in a known photograph of Tuan Chih-kuei point toward an attribution to him  as opposed to the former. Although the exact purpose of this medals striking is not known, what is known is its IMMENSE RARITY and dazzling beauty. Wonderful details and a lovely matted luster feature prominently, with very little evidence of contact. About as RARE as any issue, coin or medal, from the Republican period, this example is a museum-worthy piece, fully deserving of strong bids from all who want to say that they own something essentially no one else can claim to.

From the Kairos Collection.Ancient Chinese coins - Qing Dynasty - Guangxu silver coin